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What to Do If you hit your own Mailbox: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hitting your own mailbox might feel frustrating or embarrassing, but it happens to many homeowners. Here's a detailed, actionable guide to handle the situation effectively, covering everything from damage assessment to insurance claims and prevention strategies.
Do you just want immediate help? Click here to go to our mailbox installation service page.
Now let's get into the details of how to get help when amazon hits your mailbox.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before doing anything else, take a moment to evaluate the situation.
Check your vehicle
- Look for visible damage: Examine the bumper, grille, lights, or side panels for dents, scratches, or cracks. Even minor scrapes can compromise paint and lead to rust over time.
- Inspect for hidden damage: Look underneath the car to ensure the undercarriage, tires, or suspension haven’t been impacted.
Inspect the Mailbox:
- Check structural integrity: Determine whether the post is still firmly planted in the ground or has been uprooted. A leaning mailbox may suggest damage to the foundation.
- Assess the materials: If the mailbox is wooden, look for splintering. For metal mailboxes, look for bending or paint scratches.
- Check for mail damage: If there was mail inside, ensure it hasn’t been damaged or scattered.
Look for Nearby Utility Damage:
- Underground lines: If your mailbox post is close to water pipes, electrical wiring, or sprinkler systems, hitting it could have caused damage to these utilities.
- Call for inspections: If you suspect damage to underground lines, contact your local utility company to prevent further risks.
Step 2. Document the Incident Completely
you must document the incident so you can make an informed decision on whether to contact insurance
Take Clear Photos:
- Capture wide-angle shots of the mailbox, car, and surrounding area.
- Zoom in on specific damage, such as dents, broken parts, or splintered wood.
- Photograph any tire marks or other evidence of how the incident occurred.
Record Notes:
- Write down exactly how the accident happened, including factors like weather conditions, time of day, and visibility.
- If others witnessed the accident (e.g., family members), note their observations.
Save Damaged Components:
- If parts of the mailbox or car broke off, save them as evidence for potential insurance claims or repairs.
3. Evaluate Whether to Contact Insurance
Should you contact Insurance?
When to Involve Insurance:
- Significant Car Damage: If the cost of repairing your car is well above your deductible and you can’t afford the repairs out-of-pocket, filing an auto insurance claim might be necessary.
- Costly Mailbox Replacement: If you have an expensive custom or high-end mailbox that will be costly to replace, check your homeowners insurance policy.
- Safety Concerns: If you suspect damage to underground utilities or adjacent property (like landscaping or fencing), insurance may help cover larger liabilities.
When to Avoid Insurance:
- Minor Damage: If the cost to repair your car or mailbox is lower than or close to your deductible, it’s often better to pay out-of-pocket. Filing a claim for a small amount could raise your premiums in the future.
- First-Time Incidents: Be cautious if you haven’t filed claims before, as a small accident could make your record less favorable to insurers.
The Cost of Filing a Claim:
- Contact your insurance provider and ask how filing a claim might affect your premiums before proceeding. Many people are hesitant to file claims because of the potential long-term impact on rates.Jot down any descriptions of the vehicle involved, such as color or branding.
Step 4. Address Vehicle Repairs
Once you have made a decision about your insurance, it is time to fix your vehicle
Assess Costs:
- Minor scratches or dents might be fixable with DIY methods, like touch-up paint or dent-removal kits.
- For more significant damage, get quotes from at least two repair shops to understand the costs.
Weigh Filing a Claim:
- If repairs exceed your deductible significantly, it might make sense to file an auto insurance claim. However, confirm with your insurer how this might affect your future premiums.
Protect Against Future Rust:
- If the paint has been scraped, fix it promptly to prevent rust from forming, which can lead to more expensive repairs over time.
Step 5: Replace or Repair Your Mailbox
Once your claim is approved, it’s time to restore your mailbox.
DIY Replacement
- Buy a standard or custom mailbox from a local hardware store.
- Install it yourself following USPS height and placement regulations.
Professional Installation
- Hire a trusted service like Cincinnati Mailbox to handle the replacement.
- Professional installations are fast, reliable, and ensure compliance with postal standards.
- If you want us to install you a new mailbox, come contact us